Formerly termed impotence, erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition that can be widespread in men of all ages, particularly in those over 40 years of age. ED is characterized by the inability to achieve an erection that is hard enough and for a duration long enough to satisfactorily participate in sexual activity.
The scope of erectile dysfunction treatment
Men who struggle with ED often do so at the cost of both their mental and physical well-being, highlighting the necessity of seeking appropriate ED treatment. The condition which has once been perceived as that affecting only older men has become more common in those under the age of 40. However, when coupled with the stigma attributed to men’s health conditions, ED becomes somewhat of a difficult topic to bring up in conversation, particularly for younger men for which ED has not previously been known as a common condition to worry about.
Consequently, men who struggle with ED that want to seek out traditional ED treatments such as sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis) may find it awkward to get through the initial necessary consultation. Though that should never be the case as all healthcare professionals abide by patient confidentiality legislations, we understand why some men would rather seek alternative, natural, and more discreet treatment options such as acoustic wave therapy for ED.
Why ED occurs
The cause of ED is multifactorial. Where once ED was thought to be caused solely by old age, up-to-date research suggests that ED can occur as a result of physiological and psychological reasons, as well as medication side effects.
Up to a quarter of all ED cases are thought to come about due to prescription medicines. With eight out of the twelve of the most commonly used prescription medicines in the US listing ED as a potential side effect, the relatively high occurrence of side effect-mediated ED shouldn’t come as a surprise. If you have recently started taking medicine that falls under the below categories and you are experiencing ED, then we advise that you talk to your doctor about potentially switching medication:
- Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Cimetidine
- Certain blood pressure tablets
- Ketoconazole
However, the vast majority of those with ED will have organic diseases stemming from diabetes, cancers of the prostate and penile regions, and cardiovascular disease. Though, there will almost always be a secondary psychological consequence of ED which may have perpetuated the condition, or come around afterward.
Uncultured norms, unrealistic expectations, anxiety, and depression, among others, can all cause and be caused by ED. Treating ED using traditional remedies or innovative acoustic wave therapy can help prevent emotional damage caused by ED both to the patient and to their partners, and instead welcomes sexual satisfaction back into their lives.
Symptoms of ED to look out for
Erectile dysfunction is not only accompanied by a number of other symptoms but in itself can be a symptom of an underlying health condition and an underutilized cardiovascular risk factor. Since erections arise as a result of increased blood flow into the penile chambers upon sexual arousal, it is generally acknowledged that ED is closely related to cardiovascular disease.
Older men who struggle with ED should therefore look out for the presence of an underlying health condition such as but not limited to:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
Other non-cardiovascular symptoms of ED include:
- Loss of sexual interest
- Performance anxiety
- Relationship troubles
- Premature ejaculation
- Struggle to maintain an erection long enough for intercourse
- Struggle to maintain a rigid erection
Maintaining a healthy circulatory system is key to ensuring the longevity of your penile function. By doing so you’re reducing your risk of developing cardiovascular risk factors including ED and promoting an overall healthier physique. In some men, however, ED occurs inevitably and requires ongoing treatment.
Traditional ED treatments in North Carolina
Thanks to the accidental discovery of erections as a side effect of a drug intended to treat a cardiovascular health issue, ED can now be treated using medication. These medicines are called phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE-5), the most common of which are Viagra and Cialis.
PDE-5 inhibitors can be acquired through prescriptions from almost all registered healthcare professionals in North Carolina (and anywhere around the world). They work by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, allowing them to fill with blood more easily, encouraging an erection. They’re often taken a set period of time prior to sexual activity, and work for up to three days depending on the chosen tablet.
If an underlying psychological issue was determined as the cause of ED, then various psychotherapies can be used to help restore erectile function. Psychotherapies include counseling, relationship mentorship, and a combination of cognitive behavior therapies, any of which can be combined with traditional remedies or acoustic wave therapy to help increase the likelihood of treatment working.
Acoustic wave therapy for ED in North Carolina
Scientists have created a natural and minimally invasive ED treatment by harnessing the natural power of sound, a treatment known as acoustic wave therapy. It has been proven that these sound waves when directed at the penis in short, 20-minute bursts, can help stimulate the growth of new nerve fibers and blood vessels in the penis, thereby improving blood flow and promoting erections.
By moving a small wand-like device around the affected area, highly specialized technicians can focus extracorporeal shock waves on the penis. The effects of acoustic wave therapy can be seen as quickly as two-three weeks after initial treatment, with maximal effect occurring after around six sessions.
The good news is that, unlike traditional tablets, acoustic wave therapy doesn’t incur profound physiological side effects aside from some – and very rare – minor irritation to the treatment area and possible painful erections. Like traditional tablets, however, acoustic wave therapy provides effective relief to those struggling to maintain firm, longer erections.
With more than 30 million men affected by ED in the US, acoustic wave therapy proves to be a promising step forward in finding a cure for this psychologically crippling condition. Men looking for natural, effective, and longer-lasting ED treatments in North Carolina and its surrounding communities can find their nearest acoustic wave therapy clinic here. We have years of experience providing effective, bespoke solutions to men who have sexual health issues. Give our professionals a call to help reignite your sex life.